Zhixiong He

Bio: Zhixiong He is an academic researcher from Chinese Academy of Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Rumen & Medicine. The author has an hindex of 14, co-authored 72 publications receiving 579 citations. Previous affiliations of Zhixiong He include University of Alberta & Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Repeated inoculation of cattle rumen with bison rumen contents alters the rumen microbiome and improves nitrogen digestibility in cattle.

Abstract: Future growth in demand for meat and milk, and the socioeconomic and environmental challenges that farmers face, represent a "grand challenge for humanity". Improving the digestibility of crop residues such as straw could enhance the sustainability of ruminant production systems. Here, we investigated if transfer of rumen contents from bison to cattle could alter the rumen microbiome and enhance total tract digestibility of a barley straw-based diet. Beef heifers were adapted to the diet for 28 days prior to the experiment. After 46 days, ~70 percent of rumen contents were removed from each heifer and replaced with mixed rumen contents collected immediately after slaughter from 32 bison. This procedure was repeated 14 days later. Intake, chewing activity, total tract digestibility, ruminal passage rate, ruminal fermentation, and the bacterial and protozoal communities were examined before the first and after the second transfer. Overall, inoculation with bison rumen contents successfully altered the cattle rumen microbiome and metabolism, and increased protein digestibility and nitrogen retention, but did not alter fiber digestibility.

In vitro evaluation on neutral detergent fiber and cellulose digestion by post-ruminal microorganisms in goats.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Post-ruminal digestion of fiber has received much less attention than its ruminal digestion Using in vitro incubation techniques, the present study explored whether variations in fiber digestion occurred in different segments of the post-ruminal tract and whether fiber structure could influence its digestibility A split plot design was conducted with gut segments (jejunum, ileum, cecum and colon) as main plot and substrates (neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and cellulose (CEL)) as subplot RESULTS With the same substrate, the final asymptotic gas volume (VF), gas production at ti (), digestibility, microbial crude protein (MCP), total bacteria number (TBN), total short-chain fatty acids (TSCFA) and xylanase in incocula from the cecum and colon exceeded (P < 001) those in incocula from the jejunum and ileum, while the NH3-N in the former was less (P < 001) For the same gut segment, the digestion of CEL was superior to NDF, as reflected in greater VF, , maximum rate of gas production, digestibility, enzyme activities and SCFA but lower pH and NH3-N CONCLUSION The current results imply that the intestinal contents from the cecum and colon have greater potential to digest fiber than those from the jejunum and ileum, and CEL is more easily digested in the post-ruminal tract than NDF © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry

Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning

Abstract: Probability Distributions.- Linear Models for Regression.- Linear Models for Classification.- Neural Networks.- Kernel Methods.- Sparse Kernel Machines.- Graphical Models.- Mixture Models and EM.- Approximate Inference.- Sampling Methods.- Continuous Latent Variables.- Sequential Data.- Combining Models.

Influence of Diet On the Distribtion of Nitrogen Isotopes in Animals

Abstract: The influence of diet on the distribution of nitrogen isotopes in animals was investigated by analyzing animals grown in the laboratory on diets of constant nitrogen isotopic composition. The isotopic composition of the nitrogen in an animal reflects the nitrogen isotopic composition of its diet. The δ^(15)N values of the whole bodies of animals are usually more positive than those of their diets. Different individuals of a species raised on the same diet can have significantly different δ^(15)N values. The variability of the relationship between the δ^(15)N values of animals and their diets is greater for different species raised on the same diet than for the same species raised on different diets. Different tissues of mice are also enriched in ^(15)N relative to the diet, with the difference between the δ^(15)N values of a tissue and the diet depending on both the kind of tissue and the diet involved. The δ^(15)N values of collagen and chitin, biochemical components that are often preserved in fossil animal remains, are also related to the δ^(15)N value of the diet. The dependence of the δ^(15)N values of whole animals and their tissues and biochemical components on the δ^(15)N value of diet indicates that the isotopic composition of animal nitrogen can be used to obtain information about an animal's diet if its potential food sources had different δ^(15)N values. The nitrogen isotopic method of dietary analysis probably can be used to estimate the relative use of legumes vs non-legumes or of aquatic vs terrestrial organisms as food sources for extant and fossil animals. However, the method probably will not be applicable in those modern ecosystems in which the use of chemical fertilizers has influenced the distribution of nitrogen isotopes in food sources. The isotopic method of dietary analysis was used to reconstruct changes in the diet of the human population that occupied the Tehuacan Valley of Mexico over a 7000 yr span. Variations in the δ^(15)C and δ^(15)N values of bone collagen suggest that C_4 and/or CAM plants (presumably mostly corn) and legumes (presumably mostly beans) were introduced into the diet much earlier than suggested by conventional archaeological analysis.

Colostrum Management for Dairy Calves

Abstract: Colostrum management is the single most important management factor in determining calf health and survival. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of North American dairy calves suffer from failure of passive transfer of antibodies from colostrum, contributing to excessively high preweaning mortality rates and other short- and long-term losses associated with animal health, welfare, and productivity. A successful colostrum management program requires producers to consistently provide calves with a sufficient volume of clean, high-quality colostrum within the first few hours of life. This article reviews the process of colostrogenesis and discusses important components of colostrum. The key components of delivering and monitoring a successful colostrum management program are discussed.

Prediction and Improved Estimation in Linear Models

Abstract: (1979). Prediction and Improved Estimation in Linear Models. Journal of the Operational Research Society: Vol. 30, No. 1, pp. 88-89.

Utilization of Waste Straw and Husks from Rice Production: A Review

Abstract: As a staple food for much of the world, rice production is widespread. However, it also results in the generation of large quantities of non-food biomass, primarily in the form of straw and husks. Although they have been little utilized and much rice straw is still simply burned, these lignocellulosic materials potentially have considerable values. This review considers the composition of rice straw and husks, the various processes involved in the production of valuable products, and a range of uses to which they can be put. These include agricultural amendments, energy production, environmental adsorbents, construction materials, and various speciality products.